Online ABA found effective

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services delivered entirely online may be a valid alternative to traditional in-person therapy for many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), according to a study by U.S. researchers.

In traditional ABA, a highly trained individual—typically a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)—oversees therapists who provide services in family homes. Study authors William Edwards and Brittany Wierzba note that this intensive, in-person therapy can create challenges for families who struggle to afford the cost of the therapy, have scheduling issues, or live in an area with a shortage of therapists. In addition, they say, the high turnover of in-home therapists can hinder children’s progress.

To see if a telehealth approach might be a viable alternative, the researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of data collected on 504 children who received focused online ABA therapy delivered by a BCBA for an average of 2.6 hours per week. All services were provided by the BCBA, including assessment, direct therapy, therapy protocol modification, and caregiver training. The researchers evaluated changes in the children based on a battery of tests administered every six months, analyzing data only for children who underwent a baseline assessment and at least one follow-up assessment.

The researchers found that children receiving services delivered entirely online showed improvements in adaptive skills, behavior outcomes, and family quality of life. In addition, they say, 95.1% of families reported that the services they received were effective.

Wierzba comments, “Autism therapy is under immense pressure. Families, providers and payors all need more flexible options to meet rising demand with fewer BCBAs. This study shows that virtual therapy, when led by BCBAs, can effectively bridge that gap to produce meaningful progress, avoid escalations in care, and support a stable quality of life for families.”

Citations

“Fully virtual, focused Applied Behavior Analysis services: acceptability and feasibility study,” William H. Edwards and Brittany C. Wierzba, JMIR Publications, June 10, 2026 (free online). Address: William H. Edwards, Center for Behavior Analysis, Clemson University, B-111 Barre Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, [email protected].

—and—

“Families report positive outcomes from fully virtual, BCBA-delivered, focused autism support program,” news release, JMIR publications, July 8, 2026.